Former Arsenal Star Wants Wenger to Land United Target

Former Arsenal player Perry Groves has urged Arsene Wenger to act quickly to land Manchester United target Victor Wanyama. The Premier League champions are keen on signing Celtic's star after his impressive performance for the Scottish outfit.

Groves, who was with the north London club for six years from 1986, believes Wenger needs to bring Wanyama to the Emirates. He claims the Kenyan international to be the ideal player to solve Arsenal's defensive midfield problems.

"I really like Wanyama - he is destined for big things. He may be young but he plays for a massive club, has lots of experience for a young player, and he fits the Wenger model - he is hungry, strong and technically very good. He would offer real protection for the back four, and a real thrust and drive going forward," Groves told the Express.

Apart from the Premier League champions, the Express claims Inter Milan, Southampton and Arsenal's arch-rivals Tottenham are also closely monitoring the midfielder. Groves now wants the Frenchman to snap a deal for Celtic star as the club will give Wenger a £70m war chest to bring in new players in the summer.

"We need big players who can step up to the plate and make an impact against the bigger teams, because that is what let us down last year - we had a woeful record against the other teams in the top four. We need strong mentalities, players who can impose themselves," the former Gunner added.

"I would like to see experienced lads who can come straight into the starting side, not players who take time to gel," Groves concluded.

Meanwhile, Wanyama is yet to sign a contract extension with Celtic as he is still undecided over his future at Celtic Par, leaving his agent and the club to reach on a conclusion. However, the Kenyan wants the Bhoys manager Neil Lennon to continue with the Scottish Premier League side.

"I just leave the club and my agent to sort everything out. You never know. We will see," Wanyama said, adding, "We have learned a lot and we have achieved a lot while I have been here. We are delighted to have him. There is no doubt other clubs want him. We all just want to see him stay here."